Manchester City finished 2021 with their 10th straight win after they dispatched Thomas Frank's Brentford to move eight points clear at the Premier League summit — and they will be looking to kick off 2022 in a winning fashion when they travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal.
The Gunners will be without manager Mikel Arteta after he tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time, as Arsenal look to avenge the thrashing they received when they met the Blues at the Etihad early in the campaign.
Fortunes have changed since both teams last met with the north London side turning their season around, establishing themselves as top four contenders.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola's side have become frontrunners in the title race, moving into a seemingly comfortable position in their quest to retain the Premier League.
But how do the pundits see the clash going?
Mark Lawrenson - BBC Sport
The former Liverpool star expects a comfortable afternoon in the capital for City, he wrote in his BBC column: "As much as Arsenal have improved, and as good as their home record is - only Manchester City's is better this season - there is still a huge gulf between these two sides.
"The difference is not going to be as big as it was when City beat the Gunners 5-0 at Etihad Stadium in August, but taking on the leaders is a heck of an ask for Arsenal's young side.
"When I look at how City have been playing during their run of 10 straight league wins, I can only think this is going to be victory number 11."
Prediction: Arsenal 0-3 Man City
Paul Merson - SportsKeeda
Merson expects a similar result, he told Sports Keeda : "Arsenal are playing well at the moment but Manchester City are on another planet, so anything other than a win for the away side will come as a huge surprise to me.
"Arsenal always beat the so-called lesser teams and struggle badly against the big boys - this Premier League encounter looks like it could head in the same direction.
I expect the Manchester City juggernaut to roll on.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-3 Man City
Michael Owen - Betvictor
"Arsenal looked impressive in their last game against Norwich. No game in midweek means that they can really go into this game with confidence, and they will probably view it as a free hit," he wrote in his BetVictor blog.
"City weren’t at their absolute best against Brentford, but still got the win. It was another lovely finish from Phil Foden, he’s such a calm, natural finisher. No team can play brilliantly every single game, it’s the sign of champions to win when you aren’t at your best.
"This should be an open, entertaining game. Arsenal won’t sit in; they’ll try to play some good football. That should suit City though and I fancy them to get a few goals in this. I can see Arsenal scoring, but City comfortably winning."
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